Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

No new avalanches have been reported in the past couple days. That being said  over the past week we have seen a pattern of human and remotely triggered size 1 to 1.5 wind slab avalanches with a few being up to size 2.  These avalanches have generally failed  on a combination of facets, surface hoar and a crust.

Surface conditions are highly variable. Wind effect can be found on all exposed slopes. A new crust exists on the surface at lower elevations and likely up to mountain tops on south aspects. In sheltered  terrain soft snow can still be found and may have surface hoar forming above it. In the afternoon the snow surface could become moist at lower elevations.

15 to 30 cm of snow sits above a widespread crust. Many areas have reported a weak surface hoar layer above this crust, which is problematic in areas where wind has formed a slab above the layer.

Snowpack depths decrease rapidly below treeline.

 

Monday Night

A mix of cloud and clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southeast alpine wind.  Treeline temperature -2°C, potential temperature inversion with colder temps at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow possible in the alpine. 10 to 25 km/h southwest alpine wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Wednesday

Clearing sky throughout the day with trace amounts of new snow possible. 10 to 25 km/h southeast alpine wind. Freezing level around 1400 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. 5 to 15 km/h southeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.